Awakenings: Artists and Curator in Conversation

This two-part talk brings together artists Aziza Kadyri and Eunjo Lee, whose new commissions form part of the V&A x LDF: Awakenings programme. In conversation with Contemporary Programme Curator Carrie Chan, the discussions shall explore how the artists draw on the V&A collection for inspiration and examine the role of technology in shaping their work. 14.00 When the Void Gazes Back by Eunjo Lee Artist Eunjo Lee will share how she creates a future world where the growing agency of AI and its use of data reshape spiritual awakenings and non-human consciousness. The conversation will focus on how this world unfold through a digitally sculpted film and sculptures partially printed from recycled clay. Lee delves into concepts of Zen, karma and impermanence rooted in Buddhism, reframing digital, shamanistic deities as ever-changing cosmic worlds. An artist and filmmaker based in London and Seoul, Lee is known for utilising gaming-graphics software to build complex worlds. She often builds digital worlds to narrate the inter-connectedness between humans and non-humans. The installation is on display at Europe 1600-1815, Room 4, The Globe. 15.00 Sender Unknown by Aziza Kadyri The conversation shall explore how the artist reimagines textile tradition in Uzbekistan through the new commission Sender Unknown, a shifting installation exploring the intersection of AI, art and craft. The installation responds to the V&A’s historic suzani collection. Moving between handcrafted and digital processes, Kadyri will share more about technologies that risk erasing histories can instead be reimagined as tools for preservation and reinterpretation. Based in London, the artist of Uzbek origin works across textiles, sculpture, installation, creative technologies, and performance practices. She examines themes of migration, displacement and identity formation particularly for women in Central Asia and its diaspora. She represented Uzbekistan at the 60th Venice Biennale of Art in 2024 The installation is on display at Islamic Middle East, Room 42, The Jameel Gallery. It is part of the V&A’s Jameel Programme, celebrating 20 years of The Jameel Gallery with Community Jameel. With further support from the Sarikhani Family.